How are lateral meristems distinguished from apical meristems?What type of growth do they create in the tree?

Answer 1

Apical meristems are at the ends of stems, branches, ... They make the plant parts grow longer or taller.

Lateral meristems are between the xylem and phloem. They make a tree grow wider by adding more vascular tissue.

Cork cambium is also a lateral meristem. It adds more layers of bark, also resulting in a wider trunk or branch.

Answer 2

Apical And Lateral Meristem

Answer 3

Lateral meristems are at the "sides" as opposted to the tops of the trees. In a tree, they'd be producing branches. Think about the names - lateral versus apical, which means "having to do with the apex."